Ways to save on Your Household Expenses

If you have a family you probably know how hard it is to get ahead. Daycare, preschool, field trips, and sports all take a big chunk out of the budget, and that’s added to work expenses, groceries, utilities, insurance, mortgage payments, credit card bills, and car payments. If your money seems to be gone before you get it here are some tips for stretching it a bit further to make ends meet!

Cut the edible extras. You may think you already have, but see how much you’re spending on dining out, fast food meals, and that latte you grab on the way to work. You don’t have to quit it all but concentrate on limiting your purchases to once or twice a week. Instead of dining out have a simple cooking class for your family on the weekend, and make twice as much food as you’ll eat. Freeze the remainder and you’ll have a “fast food” meal ready to reheat later in the week!

Buy on sale. Grocery stores advertise in cycles, so buy enough of that sale item to last two or three weeks. Once you get into the habit you’ll never have to pay full price for anything you eat!

Look online for deals. Whether it’s makeup you need to wear to work or a costume for the school play, you’re bound to find a great deal if you get into the habit of looking online first. You can easily check competitor pricing on the items you need, and you’ll save on gas money too!

Use the buddy system. Whether it’s car pooling for work or getting the kids to school or sports, the more friends you get involved in taking turns playing chauffeur the more time and money you’ll save.

Trim your utilities. Dial down the thermostat, add insulation, and get an energy audit to pinpoint the biggest offenders in your home. You’ll be surprised at how much you can save just by adjusting to a couple degrees difference in temperature!

Check bank rates. If you’ve had your home for a few years you may be able to take advantage of a lower rate by refinancing. Just remember to pay attention to the bottom line, because some lenders charge points for new mortgages.

Plant a garden. This is a multiple advantage: you can teach your kids life skills and cut grocery costs at the same time. Everything tastes better when you grow it yourself!